CHRIS’S WAKE PART 1 HERE
Back to the wake, I cannot express how thankful I am for all who took the time to comfort us and extend their condolences. I get lots of messages via FB and text everyday telling me how sorry they were, how inspired they were and how much they love me and my son! All of them praying for me!!! My family and friends abroad reaching out during those days. I tried my best to answer each one before I slept. To let them know that I appreciate the concern and prayers.
Chris had an abundance of flowers! We couldn’t fit everything inside so we arranged some at the hallway. From my grade school classmates to my wedding gown designer—Veluz (I miss you!), my sister’s boss, my Green Cross Inc family, my titas abroad, the list goes on… THANK YOU!!! I hope one day I can give back all the love you’ve shared with me.
It was overflowing with so much love and support—emotional and even financial!!! Every time someone would hand me an envelope, I wanted to cry. To be able to share a portion of their income, their hard earned money was something. “Really, for me??” I didn’t realize giving abuloy was still practiced until I started receiving them. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! You know who you are.
I felt so blessed that even the financial aspect, the Lord was providing for me!
“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” Matthew 6:26
from http://www.reddit.com
Every night of the wake, there were “sponsors.” After the Mass there was a different group of friends who’d have a short program dedicated to Chris. They also brought food for everyone.
It was like a fellowship of friendship and love each night. Not the super drama type, it was also full of laughter. With friends even reuniting after years of not seeing each other.
“Bakit sa ganito pa tayo magkikitakita ulit?” I heard a lot of that. Because of our “busy” schedules and things to do, well, I’m also guilty of this, it becomes hard to meet up and personally talk to our friends and family. Yes, we connect via FB and other social media apps but I realized, face to face interaction is really something else! The ‘real life’ hug and kiss I get from each one feels different from the hug and kiss emoticons, don’t you think?
Chris’s wake lasted for 5 days, we had to wait for his parents to come home from the US. We couldn’t imagine how they were feeling. It was so heartbreaking! The last time Chris saw them was before they left five years ago. Then this! Chelynn (Chris’s sister) and I would joke, “Ano, ready kana?” Then one will answer, “Ikaw, ready kana?” We were nervous! We didn’t know what to expect. The picture of Mama and Papa entering the room for the first time… accckkkk!!! I don’t want to think about it! Too much emotions. So every chance I got prior to their arrival, I prayed. I prayed that the Lord be with them. That God give them peace and control their emotions so as not to greatly affect their well-being/ health. Chris loved his parents to the core.
He loved family time and would always tell me, “Basta magkakasama kami, kahit house lang masaya na ako.” 
We were actually planning to visit them in the US summer of 2016 for Mateo’s birthday. I wanted him to spend time with them so we were saving for that trip. Mama and Papa are great in-laws. I saw how kind-hearted and loving they were even before Chris and I got married. We are blessed to have them, so supportive and so fun to be with!
The day of their arrival came. We expected the worst. As Mama and Papa went in, I just couldn’t explain it. We were all there, with Kuya Charlie, Chelynn, Joef… We hugged each other and just cried our hearts out. Mama couldn’t believe her eyes. Her son, her baby boy, lying inside the coffin., couldn’t kiss her anymore. Her heart shattered to pieces. Papa looked at his son, his carbon copy, now gone.
But our prayers were answered, it wasn’t as bad as we expected it to be. Thank you Lord!
Mateo hugged and kissed his Papa Tots and Mama Eva for the first time as he was 11 months when they left. Papa told us someone woke him up after the plane landed. He looked around and saw no one until he saw Chris’s silhouette standing at the end of the aisle, smiling at him as if welcoming him back. It was so touching.
That night, it was Chris’s brothers and sisters from Tau Omega Mu (his fraternity while studying in UP Manila) who were the “sponsors.” They prepared a program to honor one of their former grand masters, my husband, Chris. I remember sweetheart telling me stories about their “adventures”, how to do their handshake and legit events/ fundraisers. Theirs was a great bond, he said he knew they got his back no matter what. And I saw that that night.
After showing the video they prepared, they started calling representatives from each batch to share their fond memories with Chris. How he has touched their lives. I was tearing up, so proud of him! And I was happy Mama and Papa were also there to hear that they did a good job in raising a son like Chris.
For the final part, they presented to me their insignia and made Mateo an honorary member. He wore his TOM pin with pride. I’m sure his dad is smiling down looking at him.
It was a very touching tribute. My heart was bursting with joy. THANK YOU TOM for all your support!!! Forever grateful!
mommy&bubba 